New iMac, but how to connect analog mixer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RecordingMaster
  • Start date Start date
I think I get what you're asking, but just to be sure..

You want to be able to record new audio, but at the same time be able to hear existing audio, like a backing track or drums?


If the above is correct then yes, you can do that. Any daw will let you do that. It's the principle of multitrack or 'sound on sound' recording.

As far as using your monitors as you 'main mac speakers', that's no problem either.

In audio/midi setup in utilities, you are given options to select devices for

System sound playback
Audio playback
Audio input.


If you select your interface for audio playback, then itunes etc will play through your interface, and through your monitors.

You can usually choose which specific outputs are used, so if you want, you can even send itunes etc to headphones.

Of course, you still have the option of just using your built in speakers for 'day to day' playback.
I think you're good to go.
 
I'm sure MAC is different, but this works on PC. After you hook up the 1800 (or 1641), you select it as your default soundcard. Channels 15 and 16 show all digital input from computer or s/pdif inputs. I actually have two computers hooked up via a KVM switch, and i join audio from both via a Mackie Big Knob. That is another story, but it allows me to monitor multiple sources while keeping my recording gear from seeing the inevitable pron or other virussy crap that is on the internet.
 
Thanks for all your wisdom everyone. I found an ART USB Dual Tube Pre on a local classifieds site for $100. I'll get him down to $60 and start using this for now. Drums may all end up on one track for now, but it'll at least be through a tube pre interface rather than just my imac's music-in jack. :S

For NOW anyways! :)

If this is a horrible mistake, someone please tell me now!
 
A related question

IF I have a firewire/usb mixer, I would love to think I don't need an interface: M-Audio or other? Assuming, of course, I have a recording program that will recognize the hardware.

The follow up question is: can I patch-cable a solution to transform a Behringer Eurodesk to FW/USB?

Thanks in advance - Cal
 
You could connect that mixer to a FireWire or USB interface, but you'd probably get cleaner audio to use whatever preamps come in the interface to begin with.

If you have a FireWire or USB mixer, then that acts as an interface, so no, you don't need one. One caveat, however: many USB mixers record only the stereo mix, not individual channels. This is rarely what you want to do in practice. Be careful what you buy, in other words.
 
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